In the following direct and indirect speech question, choose the reported speech form that best expresses the meaning of the sentence: Mother said, "Lie down, Arjun."

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of how to change an imperative sentence from direct to indirect speech. The direct command is "Lie down, Arjun." spoken by the mother. When reporting commands or requests, English uses a pattern with a reporting verb like "told" or "asked" followed by an object and an infinitive form of the verb ("to lie down").

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Speaker: Mother.
• Listener: Arjun.
• Direct command: "Lie down".
• We need a natural reported speech structure for an instruction from a parent to a child.

Concept / Approach:
When converting imperatives into reported speech, we generally follow the pattern: reporting verb (asked, told, requested, advised) + object + "to" + base form of the verb. Since this is a gentle instruction from a mother, "asked Arjun to lie down" is an appropriate and polite transformation. Using "to be lied down" would create an unnatural passive structure that does not fit the original command, and the other options do not use standard reported speech patterns.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the type of sentence: it is an imperative, giving an instruction. Step 2: Choose a suitable reporting verb. Both "told" and "asked" can be used, but "asked" sounds gentle and is acceptable in this context. Step 3: Place the object "Arjun" immediately after the reporting verb. Step 4: Use the infinitive form "to lie down" to transform the command into reported form. Step 5: Combine all parts: "Mother asked Arjun to lie down."

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, convert the reported sentence back into direct speech. "Mother asked Arjun to lie down" corresponds naturally to Mother saying, "Lie down, Arjun." The sense of a direct instruction is maintained without any change in meaning. The grammar is correct, and the style fits the relationship between mother and child.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a: "Mother told lie down Arjun" is ungrammatical because the object "Arjun" should come immediately after "told", and the verb form should be "to lie down". Option b: "Mother told Arjun for lying down" uses "for" and the gerund "lying", which is not the correct pattern for reporting a command. Option d: "Mother asked Arjun to be lied down" forms a passive construction, suggesting someone else will lie Arjun down, which changes the meaning completely.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners forget to use the infinitive "to" when reporting commands and instead try to use gerunds or bare verbs. Another common error is to misplace the object of the reporting verb. Remember the formula: reporting verb + person addressed + "to" + base verb. Practising with many examples of imperative to reported speech conversions will strengthen this pattern in your mind.

Final Answer:
The correct reported sentence is Mother asked Arjun to lie down.